Use handy clips instead of pins to keep quilt binding in place. Clips are especially useful on fabrics such as vinyl, which might be ruined by pins; denim; or another thick material that is difficult to pin.

With more than 750 step-by-step color photographs, this ultimate quilting reference offers tips and troubleshooting advice. The spiral-bound book covers all aspects of quilting, including cutting, piecing, appliquéing, hand and machine quilting, and binding.

A portable sandboard, such as the Essential Sandboard from C&T Publishing, keeps materials in place while quilting. Use the fine-grit sandpaper side to hold fabric in place and the smooth white side on the reverse for tracing and drawing.

Sew angles faster and more accurately when you use a seam guide, such as Clearly Perfect Angles by New Leaf Stitches. The guide clings to your sewing table and its grid helps you line up 45-degree angles so you can spend more time sewing and less time marking fabrics.

Have a variety of thread weights and colors on hand so you’re always prepared for the next project. For machine piecing, use 50-weight, 100% cotton thread; for hand quilting try a heavier, thread such as 30-weight.